What is ESL?
ESL stands for English as a Second Language. It is a term used within the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) to describe the teaching and learning of English by non-native speakers in an environment where English is the predominant language. ESL is one of many acronyms in the ELT industry, often used alongside others like TEFL, TESOL, ESOL, and EFL. However, while these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, ESL specifically focuses on teaching English to individuals in English-speaking countries, as opposed to English being taught as a foreign language in non-English-speaking countries. The ESL approach encompasses various techniques and methodologies aimed at effectively teaching English to learners who have a different first language.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between ESL and EFL?
What is the difference between ESL and EFL?
The terms ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) are frequently used in the English language teaching world, but they represent two distinct learning environments. ESL refers to situations where students learn English in a country where English is the primary or official language. This is common in English-speaking countries like the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada, often due to immigration. For example, an Italian student learning English in London would be an ESL learner, as they are immersed in an English-speaking environment.
Contrastingly, EFL applies to learning English in a country where English is not the dominant language. In this setting, students typically engage with English only during their language classes. For instance, if the same Italian student were learning English in Milan, Italy, it would be considered EFL, as English is not the primary language of communication in Italy. In EFL scenarios, exposure to English outside of the classroom is limited, influencing the teaching methods and resources used.
What is ESL in the classroom?
When talking about actually teaching English, ESL is usually replaced by TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). Once again, TESL is used to refer to situations where English is being taught in an English speaking country. An example of teaching English as a second language would be an American teacher teaching Mexican people English in New York.
One other thing to be aware of is that TESL is commonly used interchangeably with another acronym TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), when referring to any scenario where non-native speakers are being taught English. Technically, TESOL is considered to be a term that covers all EFL and ESL scenarios, irrespective of where it is happening.
Who are ESL students?
ESL students are individuals who are learning English as a Second Language, typically in countries where English is not the official language and is not predominantly used in daily communication, media, or government. These learners often come from diverse linguistic backgrounds and are studying English to improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in a language that is not their mother tongue. Due to limited exposure to English in their everyday environment, ESL students face unique challenges in acquiring the language. ESL teachers, therefore, require specialized skills and knowledge to create an effective learning environment that fosters motivation and facilitates language acquisition for these students.
The best way to reach the level of understanding required is to sign up for a TESOL certification course. Take a look at our range of online and in-class TESOL course options that will provide everything you need to set your future ESL students on the right path.
